Getting Ready For A Home Inspection - Virginia Inspection Service, LLC

Occupied and Non-foreclosure Homes

Gas appliances should have pilot lights on (if required). The inspector cannot turn on the gas or pilot lights.
The main water supply valve must be on. The inspector cannot turn on the water.
Ask your realtor to contact the seller or agent to make sure all utilities are connected, turned on, and in a Normal operating condition.

Foreclosures
We can make arrangements to turn on water, light gas appliances, and de-winterized closed-up homes. A waiver of liability from the seller or responsible party is required.

TIME Schedule a 3 to 5 hour block of time during which you can devote your undivided attention to the Inspection.

Children are great (I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren) but, please make arrangements so that the kids don't have to be there during the Inspection. As wonderful as they are, they will draw attention away from what we need to accomplish.

If you must meet other professionals or tradesmen such as carpet installers, painters, or decorators, on the day of the Inspection , try to arrange it so that they are taken care of before or after the Inspection.

If you wish to have a friend or relative to look over the house, please have them visit at another time.

If the house is occupied or still being used for storage, ask your agent if the seller can try to make sure that things like the electric service panel, water heater, and furnace are clear for access. If there is a basement, the inspector will like to be able to see as much of the walls as possible. If attic access is through a hatch in a closet, please have any clothes or belongings moved out of the closet before the inspection. We don't want to get attic insulation and dust on personal belongings. The inspector cannot move things out of the way.

As a purchaser, the Inspection is your opportunity to re-examine the house by visualizing it through the eyes of an impartial third party house specialist. Be prepared to learn strengths and weaknesses of the home. Dress casually and comfortably. If you have a list of questions or concerns, please bring them with you.

Just a note, if you are scheduling an Inspection on new construction, please contact the Builder's Site Manager first to be sure that the Inspection fits into their schedule.